"Our goal is to try to create permanent franchises," said Zelnick, "that's the unique goal in the industry.

"Our competitors do not see it that way. Our competitors' view is that our franchise will have a certain life, and at the end of that life, you move onto the next thing, so you better make hay while the sun shines. Our view is to the contrary. The best franchises are permanent franchises.

"Outside of our business you can look at James Bond, for example. And it's been our goal not just to preserve and grow the Grand Theft Auto franchise, but also to build other franchises that we think can be permanent, whether that's the Red Dead franchise or the Borderlands franchise or the BioShock franchise or others, Civilization, for example."

Take-Two, which owns Rockstar Games, has yet to announce a sequel to Red Dead Redemption, but previous comments from Rockstar have suggested a sequel may be in development.

Back in July last year, Rockstar asked fans to "stay tuned for further announcements about the future of the Red Dead series".